Japan licence Vietnam

Driving in Vietnam with a Japan license

IDP Required

Yes — to drive in Vietnam on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Vietnam expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisVietnam recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

At the rental deskDesks request a 1968 Vienna IDP; older 1949 permits are not accepted.

CarryCarry BOTH your Japan national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1968 Vienna Convention

Get my IDP for Vietnam Full Vietnam guide

Japanese drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Convention) with their licence when driving abroad. Your International Driving Permit is the recognised multilingual translation of your existing licence, issued in the 1968 Vienna format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Vietnam

Drive on the right amid dense scooter traffic.
Helmets mandatory for all motorbike riders.
0.0% alcohol tolerance.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Do I need an IDP to drive in Vietnam with a Japan license?

Yes — to drive in Vietnam on an Japan licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your Japan licence. Vietnam expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

What IDP format does Vietnam accept?

Vietnam recognises the 1968 Vienna Convention. We issue the permit in that exact format.

Do I still carry my Japan license?

Carry BOTH your Japan national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.